Searching for a Sagaris

[handyman 1417]

Having enjoyed owning a T350c about 17 years ago, I’m tentatively on the hunt for a Sagaris to return to the fold. I’ve been to view the Yellow one advertised in Lincolnshire, but the having driven 175 miles to see it, the battery was flat and only managed to run for 5 minutes, without the dash working, for 5 minutes before it conked out. The others for sale are either very low miles, which puts me off, or seem to have been unsold for ages. Any tips or guidance from the experts?

[Granturadriver]

The choice is limited, the prices are high. That's why everything in a Sagaris really should work without any problems and be in tip-top condition.

As far as the engine, chassis and transmission are concerned, there should be no problems, and everything is easy to handle. I would pay particular attention to everything electrical and electronic! This can also be rectified and repaired. However, replacements are hard to find.

It's a shame if a seller in this price category doesn't prepare properly.

[handyman 1417]

Granturadriver said:

The choice is limited, the prices are high. That's why everything in a Sagaris really should work without any problems and be in tip-top condition.

As far as the engine, chassis and transmission are concerned, there should be no problems, and everything is easy to handle. I would pay particular attention to everything electrical and electronic! This can also be rectified and repaired. However, replacements are hard to find.

It's a shame if a seller in this price category doesn't prepare properly.

Thanks. That’s what I thought. Wouldn’t have taken much to have a decent battery fitted. I was told that if I bought it, a new battery would be fitted and all the dash and controls that weren’t working, would be. Honest!

[pb450]

Although it appears to be a nice example, the pics show the battery disconnected (common practice for a dealer?) and possibly even a lack of a battery altogether in picture 21/22.
These cars don't take kindly to low battery charge and as said, a little bit of preparation by them for your 175 mile journey would fall in line with their "...will be prepared Meticulously to our High standards..." statement!
It appears their preps are in line with their use of caps, mid-sentence. Sorry, grammar pedant... but it's not difficult to get things right.

[astonman]

I wonder, if the battery was flat or removed,the Dallas chip battery is probably knackered by now?

[non_linear]

astonman said:

I wonder, if the battery was flat or removed,the Dallas chip battery is probably knackered by now?

The MBE is not powered up when the ignition is off so the Dallas chip spends most of it's time unpowered whether the battery is connected or not.
Removing/ disconnecting the battery shouldn't affect it.

Having said that, even the newest of these cars will need them replacing soon anyway. I changed mine (2004 car) a couple of years ago.

[s3dave]

pb450 said:

the pics show the battery disconnected (common practice for a dealer?)

Why does the garage not use a trickle charger? Why should it be common practice to disconnect the battery? It's a bit of a worry if they are worried it will burst into flames. I leave my trickle charger (accumate) on all winter - is that wrong?

I agree with the comment above - check all electrics work - dash, heater, doors etc. If you had a T350C you will know your way around the dash menus, so check through them to see if all the data is present and the readings are sensible. For example my water temp significantly overread and I had to send the dash ECU back to Paul Smith for repair.

By the photo's the chassis looks in remarkably good condition, but there is something strange with the nut and washer on picture 14/22; guessing that is not original (certainly mine is not like that), you have to ask, why has it been disturbed?

Good luck in finding your dream car, you will not regret it.

[handyman 1417]

s3dave said:

pb450 said:

the pics show the battery disconnected (common practice for a dealer?)

Why does the garage not use a trickle charger? Why should it be common practice to disconnect the battery? It's a bit of a worry if they are worried it will burst into flames. I leave my trickle charger (accumate) on all winter - is that wrong?

I agree with the comment above - check all electrics work - dash, heater, doors etc. If you had a T350C you will know your way around the dash menus, so check through them to see if all the data is present and the readings are sensible. For example my water temp significantly overread and I had to send the dash ECU back to Paul Smith for repair.

By the photo's the chassis looks in remarkably good condition, but there is something strange with the nut and washer on picture 14/22; guessing that is not original (certainly mine is not like that), you have to ask, why has it been disturbed?

Good luck in finding your dream car, you will not regret it.

The chassis does look great, however on closer inspection it’s clear a tin of white Hammerite has been liberally applied. You can see on a few pics where the webbing has been painted and half of the bolts next to it. Must say it didn’t fill me with confidence when the dash or heater controls didn’t even have power to them when the engine was running. The interior was in good condition and no leaks etc underneath the bell housing or diff. I’m happy to wait for the right car, not necessarily the cheapest.

[davidjc64]

Ross Griffin at Shmoo has nice red one for sale, i thought about it, but keeping with my T350c which came from him 4yrs ago and is great, great guy

[handyman 1417]

davidjc64 said:

Ross Griffin at Shmoo has nice red one for sale, i thought about it, but keeping with my T350c which came from him 4yrs ago and is great, great guy

I’ve seen and considered all that are advertised. I do want the wingback seats and dark interior. Chameleon orange is high on my list.

[BIG DUNC]

I live close to HPC in Eastbourne.
Last time I was in there, they had one in. I am happy to get any specific photos you want of it. I cannot imagine them letting a customer come to look at a car if it was not perfect and ready to go.

[m3jappa]

tbh though that yellow one looks absolutely lovely. condition looks immaculate.

I really wouldn't be put off by the battery and dash scenario, thats just down to the dealer not being organised.I would have been gutted/annoyed but Id be asking to go back and have another look and make sure its actually working.

[MonkeyJez]

The chassis has been touched up with paint judging by some of the photos. Makes me wonder whether the corrosion was treated before applying the paint and why it needed attention in the first place and is that mould on the lower suspension arm in photo 22? Hard to tell in the photos but appears the power steering is either overfilled or very under filled!

[pb450]

BIG DUNC said:

I live close to HPC in Eastbourne.
Last time I was in there, they had one in. I am happy to get any specific photos you want of it. I cannot imagine them letting a customer come to look at a car if it was not perfect and ready to go.

^This. HPC are genuinely meticulous about their preps. A friend recently bought a Tamora from them; it was everything they said it was. And all their cars are on trickle chargers, BTW.

[handyman 1417]

BIG DUNC said:

I live close to HPC in Eastbourne.
Last time I was in there, they had one in. I am happy to get any specific photos you want of it. I cannot imagine them letting a customer come to look at a car if it was not perfect and ready to go.

Thanks, that’s really of good of you to offer, but it’s priced higher than what’s in my money box. It’s a stunning looking car though.

[TR4man]

There appear to be two others on Autotrader with the same asking price as the yellow one. Both of which are for sale at TVR specialists and (in my opinion) are finished in much better colours that the yellow one.

Not sure if you have either of them?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310233...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308211...

[handyman 1417]

TR4man said:

There appear to be two others on Autotrader with the same asking price as the yellow one. Both of which are for sale at TVR specialists and (in my opinion) are finished in much better colours that the yellow one.

Not sure if you have either of them?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310233...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308211...

Yes I’ve looked at all that are advertised. I’m hoping this post might reach an owner that’s considering selling privately.

[HardMiles]

Hi all, I have the opportunity of another Sag which will be in budget that's a cracker. There are always off market cars, so do chat to me when you feel the urge to find one! OP if you'd like to get in touch, drop me a line on the number on our website HPC Classics / on the advert on here. Alternatively, I'm on the TVRCC stand at the NEC this weekend if you're there and would like to chat?

Thanks for the kind words too gents, much appreciated. I shan't get involved with the other car talk, but if someone was booked to view / test drive a car it'd be chomping at the bit to go. Also I wouldn't stock or sell a car that wasn't up to scratch in the first place, hopefully that puts your midn at ease!

All the best,

Miles

HPC Classics

[keynsham]

Just for my interest, what is the difference between the T350 and the Sagaris that makes them so much more valuable? I always thought of the Sagaris as a T350 with a different body shell? Has it a different engine, cassis, suspension, etc? Just wondering!

[mk1fan]

Put simply, someone who knew what they were doing revised the suspension. This resulted in minor chassis changes, wider track, different damper and spring rates and a body that allowed for sensibly and equally sized rubber alround.